Lawrence “Larry” Armstrong
April 29th, 1942 - March 3rd, 2026
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Larry's Obituary
Lawrence W. “Larry” Armstrong, 83, of Mishawaka, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, March 3, 2026, at Creekside Village in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Born on April 29, 1942, in Cassopolis, Michigan, Larry was the son of William Merle and Gertrude (Jeffers) Armstrong. A proud 1960 graduate of Cassopolis High School, he carried his small-town roots with him throughout his life. Larry was known for his strong work ethic and friendly smile, spending 26 years as a beloved milkman, delivering not just milk but daily conversation and kindness to countless families throughout the area. He later worked at Jessup Door Company in Dowagiac for several years until his retirement, forming many lasting friendships along the way.
Larry found his greatest joy outdoors. Whether hunting at daybreak or casting a quiet line on the water, he felt most at peace surrounded by nature. He was a devoted sports fan who rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Detroit Lions, Michigan State football and men’s basketball, and Notre Dame women’s basketball. Watching a game was rarely a quiet event—Larry celebrated every win and agonized over every loss with equal enthusiasm.
Above all, Larry cherished his family. He was a proud father to Jamie (Helen Mann) Armstrong, Tammy (Roger) Grahl, and Randy (Shelli) Armstrong. His grandchildren—Ashley (Mark) Wood, Chelsea (Ryan) Pauwels, Kristen (Tori Green) Armstrong, Dylan Armstrong, and Lynnzee (Xander Smith) Armstrong—brought him endless pride, and his five great-grandchildren, Breelyn, Mackie, Phoebe, Harper, and Zariah, were the light of his later years. He loved sharing stories, offering steady advice, and making sure everyone knew how much they meant to him.
Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane (Colpeart) Molnar-Armstrong; his parents, Merle and Gertrude Armstrong; and his brother, Bill Armstrong. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in the many memories of his laughter, his stories, and the simple, steady love he gave so freely.
A Memorial Gathering to celebrate Larry’s life will be held from 4:00–6:00 PM on Friday, March 6, at Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St., Dowagiac.
To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit Larry’s personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
Born on April 29, 1942, in Cassopolis, Michigan, Larry was the son of William Merle and Gertrude (Jeffers) Armstrong. A proud 1960 graduate of Cassopolis High School, he carried his small-town roots with him throughout his life. Larry was known for his strong work ethic and friendly smile, spending 26 years as a beloved milkman, delivering not just milk but daily conversation and kindness to countless families throughout the area. He later worked at Jessup Door Company in Dowagiac for several years until his retirement, forming many lasting friendships along the way.
Larry found his greatest joy outdoors. Whether hunting at daybreak or casting a quiet line on the water, he felt most at peace surrounded by nature. He was a devoted sports fan who rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Detroit Lions, Michigan State football and men’s basketball, and Notre Dame women’s basketball. Watching a game was rarely a quiet event—Larry celebrated every win and agonized over every loss with equal enthusiasm.
Above all, Larry cherished his family. He was a proud father to Jamie (Helen Mann) Armstrong, Tammy (Roger) Grahl, and Randy (Shelli) Armstrong. His grandchildren—Ashley (Mark) Wood, Chelsea (Ryan) Pauwels, Kristen (Tori Green) Armstrong, Dylan Armstrong, and Lynnzee (Xander Smith) Armstrong—brought him endless pride, and his five great-grandchildren, Breelyn, Mackie, Phoebe, Harper, and Zariah, were the light of his later years. He loved sharing stories, offering steady advice, and making sure everyone knew how much they meant to him.
Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane (Colpeart) Molnar-Armstrong; his parents, Merle and Gertrude Armstrong; and his brother, Bill Armstrong. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in the many memories of his laughter, his stories, and the simple, steady love he gave so freely.
A Memorial Gathering to celebrate Larry’s life will be held from 4:00–6:00 PM on Friday, March 6, at Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St., Dowagiac.
To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit Larry’s personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
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